What causes diffusion to occur?

Question

Kinetic energy refers to the energy of motion. How does the movement of the particles in a liquid or gas cause diffusion to occur?

Answer 1

entropy

Answer 2

A gradient causes diffusion to occur. For example, if you fill a bag that is permeable only to sucrose with a sucrose solution, and then insert that bag in a beaker full of distilled water, the sucrose will diffuse out from the bag into the water where there is a smaller concentration of sucrose.

Answer 3

Diffusion, is spontaneous spreading of matter (particles or molecules), heat, momentum, or light. Diffusion is one type of transport phenomenon. Diffusion is the movement of particles from higher chemical potential to lower chemical potential (chemical potential can in most cases of diffusion be represented by a change in concentration). It is readily observed, for example, when dried food like spaghetti is cooked; water molecules diffuse into the spaghetti strings, making them thicker and more flexible. It is a physical process rather than a chemical reaction, which requires no net energy expenditure. In cell biology, diffusion is often described as a form of passive transport, by which substances cross membranes.

A balloon filled with helium will deflate a little bit every day, because helium atoms diffuse out of the balloon through its wall. This type of diffusion through small holes is called effusion.
When spaghetti is cooked, water molecules diffuse into the spaghetti strings, making them thicker and more flexible. Adding salt to the water reduces diffusion by reducing the osmotic pressure.
Carbon dioxide bubbles in soft drinks start as small nuclei and grow because of the diffusion of carbon dioxide molecules towards them

The second law of thermodynamics states that in a spontaneous process, the entropy of the universe increases. Change in entropy of the universe is equal to the sum of the change in entropy of a system and the change in entropy of the surroundings. A system refers to the part of the universe being studied; the surroundings is everything else in the universe. Spontaneous change results in dispersal of energy. Spontaneous processes are not reversable and only occur in one direction. A common law of diffusion is the stanley park law. No work is required for diffusion in a closed system. Reversiblity is associated with equilibrium. Work can be done on the system to change equilibrium. Energy from the surroundings decrease by the amount of work expended from surroundings. Ultimately, there will be a greater increase in entropy in the surroundings than the decrease of entropy in the system working accordingly with the second law of thermodynamics.

Answer 4

Diffusion arises from a concentration gradient, moving particle from the higher concentration to regions with lower concentration. The higher concentration presents a higher pressure, which forces the movement.

Answer 5

u might have heard of second law of thermodynamics that
every system will try to increase its entropy.
entropy is a measure of disorder and greater the disorder more
negetive will be its free energy or greater will be its spontaneity.
if u have not heard of this don't be afraid!!!
diffusion means flowing or expanding to greater volume, that means ther is greater scope of disorder as volume increases.
u can imagine 5 students sitting on a bench. it will be uncomfortable and stressful situation.but if u give one more bench they will be more comfortable
so as we provide more space,probability for disorder or entropy
increases and hence diffusion is favoured for fluids,normally

Answer 6

It is from higher to lower concebtration.